By Amaka Isikala
Anambra State has renewed its commitment to environmental protection as Governor Chukwuma Soludo called on Ndi Anambra to take collective action to safeguard the environment.
The governor made the call on Aug. 31, while leading a symbolic tree-planting exercise held to commemorate the state’s 35th anniversary under the theme, “Our Environment, Our Future.” The exercise, spearheaded by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, local government chairmen and other stakeholders, underscoring the administration’s renewed focus on environmental sustainability.
Governor Soludo described environmental degradation as an existential threat to Anambra, warning that the state could no longer afford to overlook the challenges posed by flooding, erosion and other forms of environmental degradation. While acknowledging the role of climate change in the increasing incidence of flooding globally, the Governor stressed that human activities had continued to worsen the situation in Anambra.
He noted that the state’s status as the gully erosion capital of Africa made urgent and sustained action necessary, adding that the provisions of the state’s 2024 Environmental Law would be fully implemented and enforced. “We are in a state of emergency. It is either we act and rescue this environment or all of us perish,” Soludo declared.
The governor urged traditional rulers and town unions across the state to establish functional environmental committees at the village and kindred levels, stressing that environmental protection should not be left to government alone.
He also called on Ndi Anambra to embrace a culture of environmental responsibility by urging them to “see something, do something, and most importantly, say something.” According to him, the collective involvement of individuals, communities and institutions is essential to addressing environmental challenges and building a safer and more sustainable state.
In his remarks, Dr. Aguiyi described the tree-planting exercise as both symbolic and practical, saying it demonstrated the administration’s determination to build a clean, green and livable Anambra. He stressed that government could not achieve the desired environmental transformation without the active participation and cooperation of communities and individuals.
The event was attended by the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; former Governor, Sen. Chris Ngige; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Commander, 15 Brigade Nigerian Army, Anambra State; local government chairmen and other stakeholders.
The anniversary tree-planting exercise therefore served as a renewed call for environmental consciousness across Anambra, with the state government reaffirming that protecting the environment remains critical to securing a safer, healthier and more sustainable future for Ndi Anambra.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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